stripping: décapage, grattage d'une surface

You original does not specify what is being removed from the aluminium, nor the process used. The term « décapage » is commonly translated by « stripping ». This typically applies to removal of a painted, varnished or resin coating of some sort but not exclusively.

Traditionally, sandblasting is used to smooth off a surface and often follows a chemical stripping, removing the traces of the coating and smoothing the surface off prior to washing, treatment and repainting or whatever. Whilst, the process used may be important, as there are several ways in which an aluminium surface can be restored (chemical or dry processes), I still think the term « décapage » should be translated by « stripping ».

Unless you know that sandblasting is the process being used, you might be making an assumption which is not correct. Even if sandblasting is being used here, the original does not read "sablage" but "décapage"....

http://www.paintstrip.com/

Paint Stripper for Polyester and Epoxy Polyester Powders.
A Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane)
free paint stripper.
The Best Available Technique for paint stripping most metals including Aluminium


www.envirostrip.com/envidsmsds/DataSheets9912-30.pdf

ENVIROStrip wheat starch media is available in several product mesh sizes. The 12/30 grade is used primarily for stripping metal surfaces such as
aluminium alloys, titanium, magnesium, and plated steels.

(Aircraft surfaces are suggested).


http://www.environment.gov.au/epg/environet/eecp/case_studie...

(A dry process)

Carstrip Pty Ltd has established a dry process for stripping paint from motor vehicles undergoing panel repairs or restoration. The process uses ground plastic media in a sandblasting-type process to remove the paint from the vehicle without damaging the metal. The process has eliminated the generation of waste sludge associated with chemical stripping processes, and has reduced the labour requirement for stripping a vehicle.
The Process : Competing stripping processes involve the use of paint stripping solvents, acid dipping, hand stripping and sand blasting. The use of paint stripping solvents is the most conventional method of stripping car bodies for respraying. Chemical strippers are applied to the car body by brushing and allowing to soak for a period of time, after which they are removed by scraping and water washing

In this case I ought to be relieved of my 2 points and 4 points awarded to Nikki
I'll suggest it to Henry again.